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- The most-reported text scam looks like a fraud alert from your bank, but it’s fake. It might say there’s suspicious activity on your account and tell you to call a number. Or to reply “yes or no” to confirm a big purchase (that you didn’t really make). But don’t do it. There is no real problem. They just want your money or personal information.
consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/06/have-you-been-getting-scammy-text-messagesHave you been getting scammy text messages? | Consumer Advice
Oct 8, 2024 · Beyond the spammy emails and phone calls, take a look at your texts. Chances are, there are a few scam text messages mixed in—and you weren’t sure if some of them were legitimate messages or...
- Sage Lazzaro
- The Message Is Not Specifically For You
- It's Chock Full of Spelling and Grammatical Errors
- The Message Promises Freebies
- The Message Demands Immediate Action
- It Contains Mysterious Links
- The Message Is from A Bank Or Some Other Financial Institution
- It's Come from An Unusual Number
It's pretty likely that you exchange text messages with a relatively small group of people — friends, family and co-workers. Most people don't get a lot of "cold call" texts from people they don't know, so a message from someone you don't know, or a simple "Hello" directed to no one in particular, is a big red flag. A group message or a text that d...
For whatever reason, spammers who specialize in sending fake messages seem especially bad at grammar and spelling. That's good news for us, because any text purporting to come from a large, legitimate business will ensure its texts are letter perfect. If you get a text that has obvious errors and it's not from a close friend, you can assume it's fa...
Sweepstakes, giveaways and prizes are the stock and trade of the modern marketing industry, so just because you get a text that promises free stuff, that doesn't automatically imply you've gotten a fake test. But there's a good chance it's spam — look for the context clues. If you've been told you have already won, and you simply need to complete s...
One common trick that spammers and fraudsters use is to install a sense of urgency in their message — whether it's to convince you that the message is coming from a friend who needs immediate financial assistance, the IRS looking for a missing payment, or a company warning that you have a problem with your car, house, or some other asset and need t...
Fraudulent texters and spammers try to disguise themselves, so they might include unidentified links in their messages. Never tap a link that doesn't come from someone you know — the link could lead to a phishing site or contain malware. In fact, you can generally assume any text you get from an unknown party that has mysterious links is probably f...
As a general rule, financial institutions don't contact customers via text message, and those that do won't ask for personal details or demand payments that way. Often, spammers won't know who you bank with, so you might get text messages from a bank you don't even have an account with. If they get lucky, though, and spam you with a text from a fin...
Finally, beware of texts from unknown parties — either phone numbers you don't recognize or, worse, lengthy numbers that don't conform to the standard usual 10-digit domestic phone number convention. Texts from international numbers or automated systems can generate these awkward numbers and they are tell-tale signs that you're getting something fr...
- Henry Blodget
No, you don't need to report suspicious emails or text messages to Canada Post. If you think you've been the victim of fraud, report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by calling 1-888-495-8501. You can also forward any spam text messages to 7726 (SPAM on most keypads).
- The text message is irrelevant to you. One of the most obvious indicators that a text message you’ve received is fake is that the message is completely irrelevant to you.
- Claiming to be someone you know but it’s an unknown number. Another sign that a text message you’ve received is fake is if it’s claiming to be someone you know but it’s coming from an unknown number.
- Displays a sense of urgency. Any scammer’s goal is to get people to act immediately without thinking or being able to second-guess themselves. What better way to do that than to make a text message seem urgent?
- You’re being urged to click on a link. When sending scam texts, cybercriminals often include malicious links and urge victims to click on them. Clicking these links is dangerous as it can lead victims to spoofed websites designed to steal their personal information.
Aug 25, 2022 · Here's how to avoid the so-called misdirected text scam, where someone tries to trick you into responding so that they can ask you for money or get you to click on a malicious link.
- Chandra Steele
- Senior Features Writer
3 days ago · Keep reading to learn how to identify a fake text message, common text message scams, and what to do if you discover one. Here are some of the best ways to identify a fake text message. 1. Unknown or random number. If you’re not familiar with the number texting you, it might be a scam message. Look out for area codes you’re not familiar ...
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Mar 24, 2022 · If you have a cellphone, you likely receive scam text messages. Some of them can appear legitimate, but there are red flags to be on the lookout for that point to a fake message. VERIFY is giving you five key tips you can use to figure out if a text message is a scam.
